I Reincarnated as a Villainous Noble, Nothing More Than the Hero’s Foil: Since the Hero Can Only Bring Misery to My Favorite Heroine, I’ll Use My Game Knowledge and Over-the-Top Effort to Rewrite the Scenario and Make Her Happy. - Chapter 17

[Elise’s POV]

“Today was so much fun! Every day feels like a blessing thanks to Cain! I have to admit, I’m more than a little jealous, but I’m so grateful to you, Selvia! After all, Cain has changed so much since you came back!”

“Huh? I-I don’t think I’ve done anything… Has Brother Cain really changed that much?”

On the way back from town, riding in the carriage, I held Selvia’s hands and expressed my gratitude. She blinked in confusion, clearly unsure how to respond.

“Oh, absolutely! Cain has thrown himself into swordsmanship, defeated incredible magical beasts, succeeded in selling medicines, and earned an amazing reputation within the territory! The power of love is truly extraordinary!”

Cain has also lost weight and looks more dashing than ever. He’s become kinder to the household staff, and there’s even a fan club for him among the maids now.

Ughhh! Honestly, if we weren’t bl00d-related siblings, I’d want to marry Cain myself.

“I was so happy I ended up bragging about him to the merchants we met earlier! By the way, have you two kissed yet? You must have, right? How was it?”

I leaned in close to Selvia. I had to know for sure, for the sake of their relationship!

“W-Well… Brother Cain hasn’t made any move to touch me or anything like that. There’s been nothing of the sort,” Selvia admitted, looking noticeably downcast.

“There was one time, during an emergency, when he carried me bridal-style. But that’s about it…”

Oh no. Uh-oh. I might have touched on something I shouldn’t have…

Quickly, I switched gears to console her.

“Wait, isn’t Cain working hard every day to win Prince Leon’s approval of your relationship?”

“Yes, that’s true. But Brother Cain says he still doesn’t think he’s worthy of me. He insists he won’t touch me until he’s become a man who deserves me. But that’s absolutely not true…”

“Well, uh, I see…”

It’s admirable that Cain treasures her so much that he won’t rush things. But no kisses? That would definitely make Selvia anxious.

“…Do you think it was a mistake to ask Brother Cain to bind me and pour [the magical potion that subtly melts clothing] over me? I thought it would help us grow closer, but maybe it was too much?”

“Uh, yeah, that might’ve been pushing it a little too far…”

Cain, for all his bravery, is surprisingly pure-hearted.

Selvia, on the other hand, tends to lose sight of everything else when it comes to achieving her goals.

“That’s definitely a few levels above just asking for a kiss, don’t you think?”

“I thought it would be the perfect way to playfully bridge the gap, but… it backfired,” Selvia said, her shoulders slumping.

Uh-oh. If my careless comment ends up derailing their love story, I’m in big trouble.

“It’s fine! Don’t worry about it! Cain’s love for you is the real deal! He never misses his morning runs or the 3,000 sword swings he practices every day. There’s no way he could do all that without love driving him!”

“Thank you. You’re right, aren’t you…”

“That’s why you shouldn’t let this make you anxious or rush things. You two are—”

I stopped myself before saying “perfectly in love.”

“Yes. I think I’m just feeling uneasy. If Prince Leon were to find out about us…”

Selvia gripped the hem of her skirt tightly.

It made sense that she was impatient to deepen her bond with Cain.

If they were discovered, they could be forcibly separated again. Who wouldn’t feel anxious about that?

“That’s… yeah, understandable. But don’t worry. As long as we keep sending false reports to Prince Leon, there’s no way he’ll find out!”

For now, there’s no sign that Prince Leon suspects anything.

Cain’s earlier efforts to curry favor with him seem to have paid off.

Come to think of it, Cain’s groveling in front of Prince Leon used to make him seem like a third-rate villain, but if that was all part of his plan to protect Selvia, then he’s pretty amazing.

“Thank you for everything!”

“And you got a beautiful dress today! When we get back, you should try it on. Cain is bound to get a nosebleed from how cute you’ll look!”

“Pfft… I hope so.”

Selvia smiled at that, a soft, radiant smile that would make anyone’s heart skip a beat.

Cain, come on! She wants it so badly; you could at least give her a kiss!

Alright. As her older sister, it looks like I’ll have to step in and lend a hand.